DR. GEORGE FERGUSON

School Demographics:

Dr. George Ferguson School was opened in 1968. The Glencairn Community was a new and thriving suburb that resulted in a vibrant school that was a hub of activity. The school continues to be a centre for many activities.  Currently the school population is about 280 students in regular and special needs classrooms.  A board decision to discontinue the busing of EAL students out of the Dr. George Ferguson catchment area has resulted in a significant increase in the student population. The multi-family housing units within the community are home to many of our EAL children. Our families are culturally diverse and the school population continues to grow in diversity. We have a significant number of Aboriginal, Asian and African students. This year we have 31 kindergarten students and therefore we have two classes of kindergarten. Our Discovery Pre-School had a waiting list of 18 typical students which promises for a strong student base in years to come.  New to Dr. Ferguson School this year is our Pre-Kindergarten classroom.  We currently have a half time Pre-Kindergarten running in afternoon.  Our special needs students are transported to Ferguson school.  We are currently running seven lunchrooms on a daily basis.

School Programs and Services:

The staff of Dr. George Ferguson recognizes the importance of examining diversity issues, ethnic considerations and inclusive practices with regard to our EAL students as well as the three congregated programs attached to our school.  Special needs classrooms include a senior and junior Functional Integrated Academic Program and a Discovery Pre-School. Regular classrooms range from Kindergarten to grade eight. 
Instruction and School Services personnel share responsibility in supporting the strategic plan of Dr. George Ferguson School.  We offer the array of supports, services, and programs available in all Regina Public Schools - Learning Resource, Educational Psychologist, School Counsellor, Speech-language Pathologist, Occupational Therapist, and school based Instructional Consultants. Our Elder in Residence Program, Program Specialists, Educational assistants, School Resource Officer and  Public Health Nurse  also serve to provide their expertise to the school community.
Dr. George Ferguson School promotes high academic achievement and the pursuit of life-long learning within a safe and caring environment. We continually strive to improve academic standings through the establishment of yearly goals developed by the staff and in consultation with our SCC.
Dr. George Ferguson School offers a full range of curricular and extracurricular activities. We have a strong arts education program with a drawing club, drama club, and a band program. The athletic program offers interschool teams in volleyball, basketball, cross country running, track & field, and co-ed softball. We have a student run Safety Patrol. Our Ferguson Student Representative Council plans additional activities over the course of the year.  In addition to the Fluoride program and muffin program, Dr. George Ferguson School has been approved for a Breakfast for Learning Nutrition Grant for the 2010 - 2011 school year.  This will help to ensure that all students attend school well-nourished and ready to learn as we recognize that the well-being of our young population starts with good food and a good education. 

Instruction and School Services personnel share responsibility in supporting the strategic direction outlined in Regina Public Schools Continuous Improvement Plan.

Priority areas include:

*Smooth Transitions into and through the System   * Governance, Facilities and Accountability

School Governance Structure:

Our school has a history of positive parent involvement. This positive involvement continued as we changed from a Parent Association to a School Community Council.  A constitution has been developed using the new standards as set forth by The Ministry of Education.  The School Community Council, elected annually, consists of 10 parents/guardians, the Principal, and one teacher representative.  This year the SCC is hoping to increase parental involvement, responsibility and to help broaden the base of the value of parental influence on our learning plan.  The focus will be to help the SCC become involved in the learning agenda and understand their role in supporting our Learning Improvement Plan.